Today mergers and acquisitions (M&As) seem to dominate the headlines of electronic media, newspapers and business journals. M&A activity has a major impact on the corporate real estate department, service providers and the affected communities. Your company may have other business drivers that significantly impact the real estate department’s activity level, strategic planning process, technology applications and staffing.

The Spring 2008 IAMC Professional Forum will address a variety of issues relevant to M&A activity as well as other timely topics that drive the corporate real estate function:

• Aligning corporate performance and corporate real estate strategies during changing economic times.
  
  
• Developing specifi c tool sets or checklists for assessing corporate assets and managing activities during mergers or acquisitions.
  
  
• Retaining trusted advisors and ensuring effective strategic planning following a signifi cant consolidation.
• Engaging real estate consultants and economic development professionals in the M&A process.
  
  
• Sustaining quality business relationships with service providers who are part of a merger or acquisition.

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Phoenix's reputation as a resort destination is world-renowned. But perhaps less familiar is the extraordinary business community that exists there. In fact, many of the corporate leaders who vacationed there also discovered a business community and a lifestyle ideal for successful enterprise.

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Arizona's exports increased 22 percent in 2006, compared to the national growth rate of 15 percent. The increase in exports - for a total of $18.28 billion in 2006 - led to the creation or retention of more than 46,000 jobs in Arizona. The state's leading exports were electronics, machinery, and aircraft and spacecraft.

"We need to continue to attract industries and ensure that we are producing the kind of workforce they need," Gov. Napolitano said. "We're not exporting things that just anyone can make, electronics and aircraft require technical skill, which in turn require education and training."

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Corporate America finds new homes in Chandler, Mesa, Buckeye, Gilbert and other Arizona cities.

by Ron Starner

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Chandler, Ariz., the ninth fastest-growing U.S. city since 2000, landed the grand prize in late 2006 when Covance purchased a 50-acre (20-hectare) site that will house a US$100-million research campus by 2009.

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Southwest Spotlight

by Ron Starner

When the Dial Corp. needed to find a site for a new corporate headquarters and research- and- development space, the company didn't have to look far.

The firm found what it was seeking in its hometown of Scottsdale, Ariz.

"We are excited about coming to an agreement to stay in Scottsdale and becoming part of the One Scottsdale project," Dial president and CEO Brad Casper said in announcing that Dial would build a corporate campus northeast of Scottsdale Road and the 101 Freeway. "We considered several sites for our new headquarters building and decided that the One Scottsdale location best meets our needs."

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